My a/c compressor is going out and I need to replace it. I am planning on converting over to R134. Is there anything else that I need to replace in my a/c system to make this run efficiently?

Farmer

 

A larger condenser or find a way to really increase airflow through the existing condenser. R134 is inferior to R12 as a refrigerant. R134 is also toxic! R12 is chemically inert but, because it is a Politically Incorrect refrigerant, R12 is hard to come by now.

DuPont's patent (and market monopoly) on R12 and all CFC-based refrigerants expired 1992...the same year that R12 was outlawed...hmmmmm...

 

You have to replace the accumulator(big silver can near the firewall) when converting to R134a because it will be full of mineral oil from the R12. Also, on all the conversions I've done, you replace the fixed orifice valve. Make sure to add the correct amount of PAG refrigerant oil to your new compressor when you install it. The last suggestion I have is to clean out all your lines, evaporator core, and condensor. The reason for this is you want to remove as much of the mineral oil left in the system from the R12. According to popular legend, R12 and R134a become explosive when mixed together! All I do to clean everything out is spray brake cleaner into the parts, then flush it out using compressed air and a rubber tipped blow gun. All you have to do with the compressor is add the PAG oil since it's a new one. Hope these tips help you out some.



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89RS w/350 TPI; 69RS/SS w/450 HP 350/Muncie 4-Speed "Too weird to live, too rare to die."

 

really to have it work it's "best" you would need to replace most of your stuff but, to have it work ok well then just get your system vacumed and add the 134a/r12 comp. oil and it should work just fine but at idle it may not cool very well

 

Check out Hot Rod Magazine's "Stroke In The Desert." besides building a 383 for the old firebird, they also converted to 134a refrigerant. Make sure your compressor is really going bad. the system has a low pressure cut-off switch that will kick the compressor off if there's not enough system pressure to ensure lubrication of the compressor. Sometimes it will kick on and off as pressure fluctuates.

Clem

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The world is full of stupid people...and I am no exception.

'83 Z28 5 speed (regrettably with T-tops)
'83 Z28 No T-tops (regrettably automatic)